Harlandale ISD celebrates summer graduation

The excitement was palpable at the McCollum High School auditorium as Harlandale ISD summer graduates prepared to walk the stage on Aug. 24.

Proud family members, friends, teachers, counselors, principals and other district representatives showed their support with loud cheers and claps when the 10 graduates donned in caps and gowns walked down the aisle to the traditional “Pomp in Circumstance.”

To kick-off the ceremony, Harlandale ISD Board of Trustees Secretary Mr. Ricardo Moreno delivered a congratulatory message to the graduates and wished them the best of luck.

Frank Tejeda Principal Mr. Ricardo Salmon, Harlandale High School Principal Mr. Fred Anthony and McCollum High School Principal Mr. Jacob Garcia were all present to certify the candidates.

When Harlandale ISD Superintendent Mr. Rey Madrigal accepted the candidates, the audience erupted into celebratory cheers. It was time to present the diplomas.

One by one, each candidates shook hands with their principal, received their diploma and posed for a photo.

For each of them, the journey was different, but they all made it. McCollum High School graduate Liliana Medina moved to San Antonio from Mexico five years ago. Learning English and tackling all of her school coursework was overwhelming, but it wasn’t anything a summer class couldn’t fix.